God will never choose
the bright and pretty face
the center of attention
the powerful
or popular
to speak her words

God has always chosen
the quiet misfit
the awkward outsider
the scorned 
and overlooked
as her messenger

Overconfident politicians 
and influential preachers
loud, biblical experts
cloaked in expensive fabrics 
and draped in glitter
do not speak truth

Prophets 
are never understood 
by the masses
who search for comfort
and absolution
from guilt

God’s voice is quiet
but can sting
and must lead to transformation
and growth
which is always the opposite
of comfort

God will always choose
the most unlikely voices

the brave, transgender author
the poetic words of the rap artist
the muttering homeless man
the child who won’t stop asking why
to nudge us toward truth

Listen for the sting 
and stop 
if the message aches
inside your heart
and makes you long for change
healing and love
it is her
speaking directly to
you